As part of a district-wide master plan, the City of Buffalo Public Schools completed a comprehensive multi-phased restoration and reconstruction. HHL Architects provided architectural design services to bring BPS No. 67 to a developed 21st century educational model. The existing school building underwent complete MEP and fire protection updates, as well as the incorporation of “smart classrooms”, laboratory facility modernization, district-wide technology improvements, and interior renovations to classroom, administration and auxiliary support spaces.

An existing exterior light court was reclaimed with the use of a new tension fabric roof structure, under which the main functions are the school’s library, cafeteria and technology shop, as well as the new central circulation path and the design of a vertical lift. The exterior entrances were also reoriented to this central location. In addition to overall upgrades throughout the facility, the perimeter classrooms were renovated, and original full-height windows restored to increase daylight. Light shelves and louvers, along with artificial light sensors, were added to manage the light levels and heat gain. This project also won the 2005 AIA Buffalo/WNY First Award for Renovation/Adaptive Reuse.